There is no contest, race, or
challenge for Sheriff in El Paso County. The voters have a very
clear and simple choice: Leo Saminiego. To imply there is a race or
a challenge, presents a picture of two equally qualified candidates
that possess the talent, integrity, and leadership skills to win.
Nothing could be further from reality.

When I started my career 28 years ago
with the El Paso Police Department, I remember sitting wide-eyed
listening to my instructor for the day. His last name was Saminego,
and he was talking about the importance of ethics, and integrity, at
a time when these words were not part of police training. He made a
lasting impression on made at that moment. He was very emphatic and
sincere as he taught us not to abuse our authority, to always tell
the truth, and to serve with pride.

As the years passed and I
progressed through the ranks, I never forgot those words, especially
the heartfelt sentiments that were expressed. I applied these
concepts, beliefs, and values, to the best of my ability. Looking
back now that I retired as assistant chief, and amidst the
controversy of telling the truth as opposed to reinforcing the blue
wall of silence, Sheriff Samaniego played such a key role in my
development as a person and a law enforcement officer. Without his
realization, he was my mentor and role model. Throughout my painful
ordeal with Chief Leon and The City of El Paso, the desire to
uncover the truth was never a priority with them. Not once, did
either ever contact me to find out how I was enduring, how my family
was holding up, and to offer any support. After all, we were on the
same team. No one, that is, except, my mentor, my role model, who
happened to be the Sheriff of a law enforcement agency that I was
not a member of. Sheriff Saminiego and his Chief Deputy Jimmy
Apodaca called several times during my ordeal not to discuss the
merits of the situation, but to offer me and my family emotional
support. I remember the sheriff telling me I had nothing to be
ashamed of; that I did my duty, and telling the truth is never wrong
in law enforcement.

I must admit that was a very
emotional moment for me. I only wished Chief Leon had said that. But
he didn't. There are a lot of things he didn't say and a lot of
things he did not do that the citizens of El Paso do not know the
entire truth about. He had every opportunity to make things right
but did not.

The voters of El Paso really have a
no brainier decision when it comes to the Sheriff's campaign. The
only real candidate is Leon Samaniego.